THE PREMISE:

"A professor moonlighting as a hit man of sorts for his city police department, descends into dangerous, dubious territory when he finds himself attracted to a woman who enlists his services." 

OUR MOVIE REVIEW:

Richard Linklater’s Hit Man is a darkly comedic love story with a sinister twist. Heading to Netflix, this festival darling is a bonafide hit ahead for the streamer. Linklater and Glen Powell’s script is full of a killer energy, fueled by its incredible comedic beats, cleverly addictive dialogue and some unexpected heat. In almost all regards, Hit Man could be claimed as an erotic thriller with comedic elements - and it would be one of the best in the genre. 

Richard Linklater isn’t a stranger to having his films exude charisma and charm, but not since Jack Black dawned the Schneebly name has Linklater captured a similar output till now. Glen Powell is a hilarious powerhouse with a slew of disguises, a master of disguise in the vein of Dana Carvey. Powell is genius in the role and his ever-changing personality dawns a new character ever so brilliantly. He is delivering his absolute all to this performance and it’s clear this is a passion project clearly created with pure joy behind every word. 

The cast surrounding Powell is just as stellar with Adria Arjona being the highlight as a sexy, fantasy figure to coincide with Powell’s imaginary “Ron”. Reta, Sanjay Rao and Austin Amelio all strike a chord, bringing a comedic flair to the behind the scenes of the work Powell’s Gary is flung into. Amelio especially is a dastardly figure that is nearly impossible to decipher if he’s ever a trustworthy ally.  

Hit Man isn’t entirely all roses however, it is a film about prosecuting second hand murderers through a sting operation. It is an incredibly sharp film with each new interaction creating a whole new addictive scenario to watch play out. Only thing is, there’s a love story intertwined within but carrying a hefty secret and a sinister outcome. The film becomes progressively darker and darker while maintaining a bit of levity through its humor but by the end, the circumstances may have been fun but the result will certainly have you at a loss for words.

While scenes are the man himself, Gary drags slightly especially when attending a class of his, when in the film and taking on a persona like the prominent “Ron,” the pacing strides. Which in the theming of the film is ultimately the point, the world finds Gary boring while his characters outside of himself people easily fall for.

Hit Man is an exceptional film that possesses a sinister spin on the typical love story, showcased with the truly terrific performances of Glen Powell, Adria Arjona and Austin Amelio. This is an original film to witness over and over, possibly even for comfort, because in the wise words of Dewey Finn, “You’re Not Hardcore, Unless You Live Hardcore.”